Caterpillar marks half century of iconic FG Wilson brand

Ann Brown, FG Wilson, and Robert Kennedy, Caterpillar NI, are pictured at the event in Larne marking 50 years of FG Wilson. INLT 25-651-CON

Published:14:22Wednesday 08 June 2016

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One of Northern Ireland’s most iconic brands is marking 50 years in business this year.

FG Wilson, amongst the world’s largest generator set brands with 300 dealers across every continent, was created in May 1966 by Country Antrim entrepreneur Fred Wilson.

Now part of Caterpillar Inc, FG Wilson products are primarily installed in hospitals, banks, data centres and commercial premises as a back-up to the mains electricity supply.

Over 600,000 FG Wilson generator sets have been installed since 1990 with a combined output greater than the entire national grid capacity of the UK and provide back-up power for banks, hospitals, data centres and businesses. FG Wilson products can be found at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and the Shard in London, Western Europe’s tallest building.

Caterpillar NI held an event at its Larne headquarters to mark the anniversary.

Caterpillar Vice Presidents Ramin Younessi and Tom Frake joined Caterpillar NI Managing Director Robert Kennedy and FG Wilson Director Ann Brown at the event. Also in attendance were invited guests, including members of the Wilson family, and long service award employees.

Ann Brown, FG Wilson Director said: “We are very proud of the FG Wilson brand’s heritage and history, as well as its ongoing success around the world. It is an incredible Northern Ireland story of entrepreneurship and achievement, having been founded by a local entrepreneur and grown into a truly global brand.

“Its enduring success around the world is a real testament to the skills and talents of all the locally-based people involved over the years.”

Caterpillar bought FG Wilson in 1999, rebranding the plants in Larne, Monkstown and Belfast in 2013.